A Clare man has appeared before Kilrush District Court this week, charged with 190 offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Detective Garda Donal Corkery gave evidence of arresting Martin Gerard Foley, with an address at Lislanahan, Kilkee and charging him with 190 offences contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The offences relate to a duty to protect animal welfare, animal cruelty, a duty to feed animals and failing to comply with animal health and welfare notices. These are contrary to sections 11, 12, 13 and 42 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The animals detailed in the charges include cattle and horses and the alleged offences in respect of these animals are recorded as taking place between March 26, 2014 and May 16, 2016. The charges cover five different locations in West Clare: Lisdeen, Kilkee; Lislanahan, Kilkee; Donoghboy, Kilkee; Baltard, Doonbeg and Dough, Kilkee.

Detective Garda Corkery gave evidence of charging Mr Foley on Monday evening at 7.45pm, in which he made no reply to the charges after caution.

Inspector Paul Slattery, prosecuting, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the matter proceed on indictment to the Circuit Criminal Court.

He requested an extension of time to prepare a Book of Evidence, given the substantive nature of the charges involved and suggested the matter be adjourned to September.

The defendant was granted bail subject to three conditions, which included that he reside at his address in Lislanahan, that he sign once a week at Kilrush Garda Station and that he comply with all requests made by the Department of Agriculture.